Last Updated
January 30, 2023
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Remote podcasting has become a necessity!
But if you’ve never podcasted remotely before or you want to improve the quality of your recordings, you may be wondering: How can I create a quality recording studio at home?
Luckily, recording long-distance interviews isn’t challenging if you’ve got the right tools and dedicated remote recording software like Riverside. Read on for some tips and advice on how to record a high-quality podcast remotely.
If you don’t already have an established podcast, the first step is to take stock of your goals. What style of podcast are you hoping to start? The most popular formats are:
Each niche will have different needs and priorities. For instance, interview podcasters will prioritize video conference software that facilitates easy remote podcast interviews. Narrative podcasts with advanced production will require advanced editing and mixing capabilities.
Understanding the needs of your podcasting niche (not to mention your personal goals) will determine your setup, equipment needs, and necessary software features — so it’s essential to get that straight before you do anything else.
In this post, we’re focusing primarily on the needs of remote interview podcasts, but the basics of quality remote recording techniques can be applied to most podcast formats.
Your setup (and your guest’s) should be carefully calibrated to match your goals. Make sure you invest in the right materials and equipment to get as close to studio-quality results as possible.
First, invest in a microphone. Though it can be tempting to rely on the built-in equipment in your computer, avoid it at all costs. Using built-in microphones can be one of your biggest mistakes.
If you’re on a tight budget or just want a mic that doesn’t have a huge learning curve, consider one of these plug-and-play USB microphones:
Also, you’ll want to get a pop filter to cut down on distracting “p” and “b” sounds that become accentuated when you speak into a microphone.
Next, make sure to use headphones when you record. It can be anywhere from the earbuds you regularly use, to dedicated high-tech headphones like the popular Audio Technica ATH-M50x.
Using headphones is important because they prevent your mic from picking up feedback when you record, not to mention that they give you a bit more awareness and control over the sound of the recording (especially if you’re using noise-canceling headphones).
You’ll also need to decide on a camera for your recording because the odds are good that you’ll want to use video in some way.
Many podcasters using Riverside.fm appreciate that the software allows hosts recording remotely to see each other, even if they don’t publish the video portion of the recording. Other podcasters take advantage of video podcasting to publish on platforms like YouTube or divide the video into bite-sized, sharable promotions for social media.
Regardless of how you use your video, you’ll probably either want an external webcam (like the Logitech HD Pro Webcam C920, Logitech C922) or a handheld camcorder (like the Sony HDR-CX405/B, Panasonic HC-V770K Full HD Camcorder, or Canon VIXIA HF R800).
For your podcast studio setup, make sure that you choose a quiet space away from distractions and background noises. Try to choose a carpeted room if possible, since carpet can dampen any echoes.
And while you don’t necessarily need to soundproof your room professionally, consider investing in a reflection filter that fits around your microphone and helps give it an echo-free, studio-quality sound level.
Related article: The Essential Podcast Equipment Checklist for Every Budget
For best results, your guest needs the same types of equipment that you do. If they don’t have one, you may want to send your guest a mic. That way, you ensure they have what they need.
Be sure to choose an easy mic to get started with (such as one of the plug-and-play USB options listed above) so that you won’t need to spend several awkward minutes at the start of your session talking to your less-tech-savvy guests through a mic setup.
Your guest should also be using headphones. As mentioned above, headphones (regardless of their quality) will cut down on echoes and interference being picked up with their side of the conversation.
And if they don’t have a microphone or you’re in a pinch, encourage them to use their standard earbuds with a built-in mic; that’ll still be miles better than settling for their laptop’s built-in microphone.
Encourage your guest to set up an audio-friendly environment. Be sure to suggest a few of the following:
Choosing software for your podcast recording depends greatly on your individual needs, especially whether you want audio-only or both audio and video. While there are many factors to consider, we’ll summarize a few of the basics.
WAV vs MP3 files
Since podcasts are primarily an audio experience, high-quality audio is of utmost importance. When you create an audio file, your software will either use MP3 or WAV format. MP3 files are compressed for efficient storage space, meaning some of the audio is lost to make room. The goal of the MP3 format is to create CD-quality audio at a much smaller download size.
A WAV file is a raw audio format that is “lossless,” meaning no audio is discarded and no quality is lost from the original recording. A recording solution should provide WAV files for the highest quality recordings.
Related article: WAV vs MP3: What's the Difference & Which Is Better for Podcasters
We’d always suggest recording in WAV where possible, but make sure your file type is compatible with your podcast host and listening platform.
Video resolution
If you’re recording video, make sure your software of choice is compatible with the camera or webcam you’re using. You should also record at a minimum of 720p HD, but for the best quality you may want to record in 4K resolution. If you’re recording directly from your camera this shouldn’t be a problem, provided your camera has 4K capabilities. If you’re recording with software, note that not all software can capture 4K, especially not if it relies on your web connection.
Online vs local recording
If you’re using software to record remotely, you must be aware of online vs local recording. With online recording, all files are recorded over the internet, making them susceptible to connection issues. Your end-result is dependant on your internet stability. On the other hand, local recording software captures all your files directly on your device. Files are unaffected by your web connection.
Read more: The 15 Best Podcast Recording Software in 2023 (Mac & PC)
When reading over our methods for recording remotely, you’ll see exactly what type of software you should consider. You can use a mixer with any digital audio workstation if you're recording only audio. On the other hand, if you’re recording video, you’ll either want to use double-ender recording, video conferencing software, or, better yet, dedicated video podcast software.
We’ll look at each scenario separately below.
A podcast mixer combines different audio input tracks into a readable format for computers. You’ll likely plug a mic for each person into your mixer if you’re recording in person.
But did you know that some mixers offer remote call integrations too?
In a remote setup, you can connect your phone to your mixer and record an audio interview directly from your device. Some mixers, like the Rodecaster Pro, even come with an integration to call recording software.
This is a great option if you already have a mixer, but it requires a bit of a complicated setup and doesn’t capture video remotely.
If you’re recording video, rather try one of the other options below:
Although Skype has been around longer, Zoom has skyrocketed into the public consciousness since the pandemic caused video-conferencing to become the default replacement for in-person meetings. Both platforms offer video conferencing and can be used to record video podcasts, but the general consensus is that Skype’s sound quality and connectivity can’t match up to Zoom’s.
Some podcasters use Zoom to record remote interviews because they’re already familiar with the platform, and it can be easy to use. You can also send a link for your guest to join with a single click — without installing Zoom. The application stores the video session in downloadable M4a (audio) or MP4 (video) files.
If you’re just starting out and your budget is tight, Zoom is free for up to 40 minutes of recording time for conversations with three or more participants. However, Zoom podcast recordings aren’t the highest quality. Zoom records online which means any internet issues can ruin the quality of your recordings. You also can’t capture separate video tracks on Zoom, which can interfere with your editing process. These faults explain why most serious podcasters opt for more specialized software, or they use double-ender recording.
For the highest audio quality, double-ender recording is absolutely the way to go for your podcast episodes. With this method, each end of the conversation is recorded locally on the participant’s computer, then each track is compiled into a final product. This technique helps preserve the sound quality of both sides of the conversation.
The traditional downside of recording locally was that you could be stuck stitching together, editing, and mixing the final product yourself. You’d also have to trust that your host was experienced enough to record their end correctly.
Fortunately, with time, there’s a new way to record double-ender podcasts with dedicated remote recording software.
While video calling software is dedicated to online meetings, remote recording software specializes in capturing video and audio of people in different locations simultaneously.
For example, you can try Riverside, which offers you effortless high-quality video podcasts no matter where you and your guests are.
Riverside records each participant’s audio and video locally, so no internet connection issues can ruin your studio-quality recordings. You can invite up to 8 participants from any location; all they need to do is click a button to join the call. Even better, you’ll receive separate audio and video tracks for each person.
Unlike some other software options, Riverside was designed by and for podcasters. It meets all the needs of a podcaster in 2023, including:
And much more!
When preparing to record your first remote podcast, double-check your surroundings. Do a test of all equipment. Ensure your phones are set to silent, distractions are minimal, and extra browser tabs are closed.
And regardless of the software you choose, it’s always a good idea to make a backup recording just in case — especially if you’re just getting used to a new setup.
When you’re finished recording, your work isn’t done quite yet. You’ll need to put the finishing touches on your remote podcast.
Podcast editing includes adding an intro or outro, cutting portions of an interview (including out “ums” and coughs), and adding music. You may also need to cut the episode down to a manageable size.
There are many software options available for both audio and video editing.
You can use Audacity for free. However, it can take a bit of time to learn the ropes.
When it comes to video editing, Adobe Premiere Pro is the industry standard, with the ability to edit 4K video and beyond with its nonlinear approach. Or you can try Apple’s professional alternative to iMovie, Final Cut Pro X, which has a steep learning curve but brings powerful tools to your fingertips.
Related article: Podcast Editing Software: Which One To Choose In 2023
Make it easier for yourself! With high-quality resolution and easy automated tools record and edit on one platform with Riverside.
As more podcasters move to remote recording, the increasing standards for quality recordings demand that no matter how you record, your results need to stand up to the highest scrutiny. That’s why our process for recording remote podcasts in 2023 focuses on a quality studio setup, the best software, and a sophisticated editing method.
We use a USB mic to maximize ease with audio quality, paired with noise-canceling headphones. When podcasting from home, we always record in a carpeted spare bedroom with distractions and sounds minimized — and we encourage guests to do the same. We use a thorough script to avoid needing to do lots of edits, but when they’re necessary, we use Adobe Premiere Pro for any tweaks.
And we use Riverside.fm as podcast recording software to create high-quality, locally-recorded audio and video tracks.
Trying to figure out how to record a podcast from 2 locations, or maybe even more? As we’ve outlined above one of your best ways to record a podcast with guests from different locations is through remote recording software.
With Riverside it's super easy to record a professional audio and video podcast remotely no matter the quality of your internet connection. Just watch the video or follow the steps below:
Check out this page to learn more about Riverside.fm’s features, or sign up for free to test it for yourself!
Yes, you can record a podcast interview completely free. In fact, recording a long-distance podcast from different locations might save you money. You won’t need to spend anything on travel costs and you won’t have to spend anything on renting a studio.
We’d say it’s best to at least invest in a high-quality microphone, but you can always use free remote recording software for creating podcasts at a distance from your guests. Some software, like Riverside, also offers a free plan for recording remotely.
Yes! As we’ve outlined above learning how to do a podcast from different locations is not complicated at all. If you’re using one of the best platforms to record a podcast remotely, it doesn’t matter what location your guests are in, you’ll still get high-end podcast interview recordings.
While you’ll want to record in an environment that’s as quiet as possible, you can record a podcast outside of a studio. In this case, you’ll want to make sure you have suitable outdoor podcast equipment such as a super-cardioid or shotgun microphone that will pick up less background noise.
We suggest reading over our guide on how to create your own remote podcast studio at home to learn more.
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